Apprenticeships

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Olney Theatre Center is committed to training the next generation of theatre makers and providing these training opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Every year apprentices live on campus and train under our professional full-time staff (many of whom are apprentice alumni!) with key responsibilities in nearly every single department. Our apprenticeships are year-long, entry-level, full-time job positions where individuals forge connections within the theatre community, learn practical and professional skills, and get hands-on, real-world experience to build resumes and portfolios. Our program offers a space for early-career theatre artists to learn and work alongside professional technicians and administrators and participate in world-class productions. By the end of the apprenticeship year, we want our apprentices to feel confident applying to job opportunities in their chosen career tracks that they didn’t feel confident applying for prior to joining us. Our goal is to be excited to recommend our graduating apprentice class for future job opportunities.

As an Olney Theatre Center Apprentice you will…

• Live and work in a vibrant artistic community for a full season.
• Receive on-site dormitory-style housing at no cost (includes a shared bedroom, bath, common area, and kitchen).
• Take advantage of the Washington, DC metro area theatre scene, one of the nation’s largest theatre markets.
• Develop marketable skills and create contacts for future employment.
• Benefit from working directly with the resident staff, in addition to over 300
  visiting professional artists.
• Participate in bi-monthly professional development classes with various staff members and industry professionals at Olney Theatre Center.
• Receive complimentary tickets to Olney Theatre Center productions and many
  other DC area shows.
• Have shared use of company vehicles and free parking (also free for personal vehicles). Olney Theatre pays for gas and tolls for company cars for local area use.
• Complete a capstone project, demonstrating what they’ve learned at the end of the apprenticeship.
• Earn $225 weekly stipend.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit materials to apprenticeships@olneytheatre.org by March 22, 2024. What materials are appropriate? Standard materials often include a resume, cover letter, and three references (just contact info).  Additionally, some people like to include links to portfolios or writing samples (Casting & Dramaturgy as well as Education & Engagement applicants should certainly plan on submitting samples). Some people like to send full letters of reference; that's great too. Most importantly, we want you to let us know: (1) who you are; (2) which apprenticeship position(s) you’re applying for; and (3) why you want to spend a year learning and working with us. So submit what you think will best tell us that.

2. Complete the Apprentice 2024-2025 Application portion. Form available soon. This form is strictly voluntary and asks for demographic information that helps us track who is applying to our programs so we can make future plans that serve our Anti-Racism Reaffirmation. You do not have to complete this form in order to submit your materials in step one, but collecting this data will help us get a better idea of who we're reaching. In order to complete the form, it'll ask you to create an account with us. We will never look at your individual answers to this form in regards to your application materials.

Apprenticeships available in:
Company Management
Production Management
Marketing & Advancement
Electrics
Wardrobe & Costumes
Sound
Props
Education & Engagement
Stage Management
Casting & Dramaturgy

For specific position descriptions, please visit: https://www.olneytheatre.org/education/apprenticeships/apply